The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has unveiled plans to introduce a road development tax on vehicles registered outside the province. The proposed law, dubbed the ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Road User Charge Bill 2024’, is slated for imminent presentation for approval, as disclosed by Muzzammil Aslam, Advisor on Finance to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the bill’s provisions, vehicles registered in federal territories and other provinces will be subject to a road user surcharge, with the aim of generating funds to bolster road infrastructure projects within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Furthermore, in a bid to simplify vehicle registration procedures and ensure adherence, an announcement regarding the launch of online vehicle registration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected soon, as highlighted by Muzzammil Aslam.
The government is also working on revamping commercial and residential property taxes within the province to improve revenue collection, stated the finance advisor, emphasizing that these measures aim to enhance revenue streams.
Regarding the proposed tax rates and enforcement strategies, Anwar Khattak Khan, Public Relations Officer (PRO) to the Finance Advisor, clarified that the road user charge bill primarily targets Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents with vehicles registered outside the province.
Conversations are ongoing regarding the specific rates and enforcement protocols to ensure smooth implementation of the legislation.
Moreover, the Excise Department has already issued universal number plates, streamlining the government’s efforts to tax vehicles registered outside the province and streamline tax collection processes.